Arsenal transfer news: Gunners to bid for Mertens, Wenger tried to sign Barry twice and more - 22nd September 2017

Dries Mertens to replace Alexis Sanchez?

Daily Star reports that the Gunners could go back in as early as the New Year to sign Napoli's Dries Mertens, after failing to land him in the summer. The 30-year old striker scored 34 goals last summer and reportedly has a release clause of just £27 million, a bargain in the current market.

The Belgian could prove to be a worthy replacement for the departing Alexis Sanchez, who is set to leave at the end of his contract next summer. Arsenal's attempts to keep the Chilean have been unsuccessful so far and he is courted by Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Thus, Mertens could be signed in January to make the transition smoother as Sanchez departs and the low release clause can easily be met.

Barry reveals Wenger tried to sign him twice

Barry was wanted by Wenger in the past

West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry has revealed before his team's match against Arsenal that Arsene Wenger tried to sign him twice. The midfielder on the verge of crossing Ryan Giggs for the all-time PL appearance record told Daily Express:

"There were a couple of conversations with representatives and Arsene that he was interested. Before I was leaving Villa and when I was leaving Man City to go to Everton there was a bit of interest too. But it didn’t materialise."

Thus, Barry joins the long list of players whom Wenger failed to sign during his time at Arsenal.

Arsenal fighting with Manchester United for youngster

Ferhat Cogalan is wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United

Both English clubs are locked in a battle to sign Valencia youngster Ferhat Cogalan. The 15-year old is yet to sign a professional contract with the Spanish club and both the clubs want to get the player before he signs one, as per Turkish Football.

Galatasaray and AC Milan are rumoured to be interested as well but Wenger's history with developing youngsters gives Arsenal a great chance to sign him. Manchester United are bound to give a tough fight as Cogalan's father already visited Old Trafford previously.